Sen. Ferrell Haile

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee law requires buyers who purchase real property with the intent to resell their contract rights to disclose specific information to both the original seller and any future buyer. The bill defines "wholesaling" as assigning a buyer's equitable interest in a property contract to another person for a profit and mandates written disclosures about the nature of that interest and the intent to market it. These disclosures must be clearly visible in the original contract and sent to the seller at least three business days before any transfer occurs. The law also sets a two-year time limit for legal actions related to violations and applies only to real estate transactions.

Maddy summarySB 577 amends Tennessee's TennCare program by shortening the time frame for implementing the annual coverage assessment from seven days to five days. It also establishes limits on hospital payments under specific circumstances, directly affecting TennCare administrators and participating hospitals. The bill changes the timing requirement in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 71-5-2005(d)(2)(D) and became effective April 3, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 797 amends Tennessee law to expand tuition and fee waivers for continuing education for full-time employees of the Tennessee General Assembly. It allows these employees to take more than one course at a time without additional cost, provided they work more hours per week than standard full-time schedules for at least four weeks annually. This clarifies and broadens an existing waiver program, which previously may have limited coverage to single courses. The change directly affects General Assembly staff meeting the higher-hour requirement. The law became effective April 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 247 clarifies Tennessee law regarding ownership of qualified agricultural, forest, or open space land held by two individuals under tenancy by the entireties or joint tenancy with right of survivorship. It specifies that ownership is deemed unchanged if the surviving owner retains the property through a right of survivorship after one owner's death, or if a divorce court awards the property to one owner. This applies to properties already classified under the Agricultural, Forest and Open Space Land Act. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law to explicitly include these scenarios in the existing ownership rules.

Maddy summarySB 39 allows Tennessee county legislative bodies to remove members of appointed county boards or commissions with a two-thirds vote, provided the appointing authority recommends removal and the member receives at least five business days' notice before the vote. It overrides local charters or resolutions that might restrict this process. The bill directly affects county legislative bodies and appointed board members (excluding those filling vacancies in the state legislature). Key provisions require the appointing authority’s recommendation, a 5-day notice period, and a supermajority vote for removal. This procedural change streamlines removals but does not apply to members appointed to fill legislative vacancies.

Maddy summarySB 897 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to create policies banning student use of wireless devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) during instructional time, except for educational purposes approved by teachers, emergencies, health management, or as specified in a student's IEP or 504 plan. Schools must publish these policies online and establish procedures to contact parents during emergencies, ensuring device restrictions don't block emergency notifications. The law applies to all local school boards and public charter schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects students, teachers, and school administrators by changing device use rules during class.

Maddy summarySB 988 requires Tennessee counties, cities, and metropolitan governments to document the cost justification and purpose for any fee they collect exceeding $500. This documentation must be publicly accessible upon request and undergo annual review by the state auditor. The bill applies to all local government departments or officials collecting such fees, ensuring transparency in fee-setting. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, and amends multiple Tennessee Code sections governing local government finances.

Maddy summarySJR 313 is a symbolic resolution honoring Tracy Cannon for being named the 2025 Westmoreland Citizen of the Year by the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes her decades of community service, including roles as an election official, nonprofit contractor, and volunteer with local organizations like the Sumner County Tourism Board and Westmoreland Parks and Recreation. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation for her contributions.

Maddy summarySB 297 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for guardians of adopted children under 13 to apply for a lifetime sportsman license. Previously, guardians had only 36 months after the adoption to apply, but this bill changes that to allow applications at any time before the child turns 13. The change simplifies the process for adoptive families by removing the strict 36-month deadline. This directly affects guardians of adopted children in Tennessee who wish to secure a lifetime sportsman license for their child.

Maddy summarySJR 218 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Sumner County Museum for its 50th anniversary. It formally commends the museum's role in preserving Sumner County's history through exhibits, educational programs, and community events. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it serves solely as a symbolic recognition. It was approved by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on March 31, 2025.